Monday, August 10, 2009

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in women. Women can develop PCOS if there are too many male hormones in their bodies and not enough female hormones.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is now recognized as a heterogeneous syndrome. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder.

It is a medical condition characterized by high levels of androgen hormones, missed or irregular periods, and multiple cysts on the ovaries.

Symptoms:-

PCOS/PCOD symptoms may include male pattern baldness, oily skin or dandruff, high blood pressure, High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and cholesterol, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and sleep apnea.Many women also experience bouts of depression related to their appearance or inability to conceive.

Causes:-

PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility.

The common causes and risk factors of polycystic ovary syndrome include the following:

An imbalance in the hormones (chemical messengers) in your brain and your ovaries,Excess fat,Family history of Polycystic ovary syndrome,Genetics may be a factor.

Treatment:-

Weight reduction is associated with normalization of hormonal disturbances and the resumption of regular ovulation. It also has a beneficial impact on the consequences of PCOS (eg, cardiovascular diseases, impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia).For women who don't want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne.

Cosmetic treatment of facial hirsutism with electroepilation and laser hair removal has also been studied and found to be beneficial.

Reproductive Medicine.

Hormone treatment to suppress ovarian activity is a reasonable choice if the patient does not want to conceive now, and is having problems with excessive hair growth.

Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.

If medications don't help you become pregnant, your doctor may recommend an outpatient surgery called laparoscopic ovarian drilling.